(QldGovSpin) Pitt announces 54 new positions to keep young people learning

The Beattie Government will employ an additional 54 youth support co-ordinators throughout Queensland early next year, as part of an $18.6 million investment to keep Queensland youth in education and training programs.

Minister for Communities, Disability Services and Seniors Warren Pitt said advertising to fill the positions has begun.

Mr Pitt today called for submissions from community organisations to auspice the co-ordinators, who will work with schools and education and training providers in their regions.

"The youth support co-ordinators' primary role will be to assist young people at risk of disengaging prematurely from learning or training," Mr Pitt said.

"The co-ordinators will supply a range of services based on local need."

Mr Pitt said the new youth support co-ordinator positions would build on the 34 operating in seven trial locations across the state since 2003-04.

"The youth support co-ordinators are part of the Queensland Government's Education and Training Reforms for the Future initiative, which recognises that young people at risk of disengaging from learning require additional personal support to complete their learning and training," he said.

Each youth support co-ordinator will contribute to District Level Achievement Plans, which will be developed by district officers from the Department of Education and the Arts in consultation with representatives from the Department of Employment and Training, community organisations, non-government schools and industry representatives.

"The District Youth Achievement Plans will set local targets for participation, retention and attainment for young people and identify strategies to achieve these targets," Mr Pitt said.

"They will also provide a key link between the schools and training sectors and the community."

Mr Pitt said the youth support co-ordinators would also help build community capacity and assist young people in developing social and personals skills.

Each of the 54 new positions will operate out of district clusters. The positions available are in district clusters at: